Southern California -- this just in

'Jack Sparrow' pepper-sprayed in Hollywood action figure brawl

February 2, 2012 | 7:39
pm

A brawl between several people dressed as action figures erupted in front of the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday evening, resulting in a Jack Sparrow character being pepper-sprayed by an attacker, police said.

Jack Sparrow was treated for minor injuries in the fracas that included Catwoman, an alien and a second pirate, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Officers were searching streets in Hollywood after Catwoman, the alien and pirate fled following the free-for-all that played out in front of tourists on busy Hollywood Boulevard, Officer Norma Eisenman said.

The incident was the latest run-in between characters who pose for pictures with tourists and then aggressively demand money, according to police.

Police officials acknowledge that maintaining peace in the area has been challenging. At one point, LAPD officials held a summit with characters to improve relations in the popular destination and even resorted to a temporary ban after problems persisted.

City rules allow people to tip characters, but prohibit them from demanding payment.